L2O2

Lawrie comes up with some wonderful ideas now and then! I was feeling somewhat nervous with our plan to drive through the Rockies with the trailer and then carry on home via Kamloops, Prince George, and the Alaska Highway. I didn’t think there was anything for it but to grin and bear it, sort of like childbirth! However, bright and early Monday morning whilst preparing to leave for points west, Lawrie says he has an idea. That idea is to leave the trailer where it sits in Jon & Michaelea’s backyard in Calgary and just drive the truck to visit my Mother in Enderby where we don’t even need the trailer. Then we can return to Calgary, get the trailer and head on up the highway to Edmonton, Whitecourt, Dawson Creek and the Alaska Highway. Much easier on the brain, to say nothing of the truck which is after all, just a mid-size thing! No sooner suggested than accepted as I can see a good idea from a long way off. It did take a bit of time to pack up but for all that it is a very pleasant drive to Enderby and we arrive by 4:30 in the afternoon.

The week is quickly by as there isn’t a dull moment to be found. Mom has some projects waiting that need a bit of extra muscle. We build bonfires and roast our last marshmallows ever. Mom takes me to find a swift and some lovely cotton chenille yarn (the swift is so Lawrie doesn’t have to help me wind balls from skeins, he’s very tolerant but there are limits!). We also go off to make tuffa pots at Mike and Gail’s (friends of Mom’s from Timmins, Ontario). One of the highlights of our activities for the week is a visit and dinner with Murray and Tracey (we did forget to take pictures after all). But, by far, the Okanagan Symphony in Vernon on Sunday tops the highlight list. Prior to the Symphony we went to Davison’s Orchard (more friends of my mom’s) to get apples to take home, then off to dinner before the performance. Wonderful music, we all agree. Youth and genius is the theme so we hear soloists that are in the 16 year range. Totally amazing and dedicated young people. I hope they are inspiring other young people! The guest conductor is Rosemary Thomson from the Calgary Philharmonic and she is wonderful with her explanations of the music we hear.

So Monday, a week later, arrives very soon and we find ourselves packed up and back on the road to Calgary. Thanks for the great time Mom!

Of course the weather isn’t going to hold and it is snowing by the time we get to Revelstoke. In spite of that it is a pleasant trip. The new truck tires are wonderful and provide a skid free trip. Tomorrow we plan to start off at noonish so as to avoid the ice on the roads north of Calgary. We think we will just take our time on the way home but you could cross your fingers, say a prayer, send good wishes our way for a safe last few days. I highly doubt we will be preparing a blog update until we get home, bringing this wonderful trip across a great country to a close.